After his recent
exploits, Lu Xun became the one hero of Wu. He was given the title General Who
Upholds the State, was ennobled as Lord of Jiangling, and received the
Governorship of Jingzhou. He became Supreme Commander of all the military
forces.

Zhang Zhao and Gu
Yong, thinking the moment opportune for enhancing their lord's dignity, sent in
a memorial proposing that his rule should be designated by a distinctive style,
and Sun Quan assumed "Yellow Might Era" as his reign style (AD 222).

Then arrived a
messenger from Wei, and he was called in to an assembly and bidden to state his
business.

The messenger said,
"Recently Shu sent to Wei for help, and, the situation being
misunderstood, the Ruler of Wei dispatched a force against Wu. Now this action
is greatly regretted. In Wei it is thought desirable to set four armies in
motion against Shu to capture it. Now if Wu will assist, and success crowns
these efforts, Wei and Wu will share the conquered territory."

Sun Quan listened,
but was not prepared to give a decided answer. He betook himself to his
counselors, Zhang Zhao and Gu Yong.

They said, "Lu
Xun is the man of profound knowledge. He should be consulted."

So Lu Xun was
called, and his speech ran thus: "Cao Pi is too firmly established in the
Middle Land to be upset now; and if this offer of his be refused, we shall
provoke his enmity. Neither Wei nor Wu, so far as I see, has anyone fit to
oppose Zhuge Liang. We must perforce consent and put our army in order. But we
can wait till we see how the four armies speed. If Shu seems likely to fall and
Zhuge Liang is outmaneuvered, then our army can be dispatched and we will take
Capital Chengdu. If the four armies fail, we shall have to consider."

So Sun Quan said to
the envoy of Wei, "We are not ready at the moment, so we will choose a day
to start later."

And with this answer
the envoy left.

Next they made
careful inquiries about the success or failure of the four armies against Shu.

The spies reported:
"The western Qiangs under King Kebi Neng have turned back when they saw Ma
Chao in command at Xiping Pass. The southern Mangs led by Meng Huo have been
perplexed at the tactics of Wei Yan and have retreated to their territories.
The Shangyong leader, Meng Da, have set out, but half way have fallen ill and
gone back. And Cao Zhen's army, while marching toward Yangping Pass, have been
brought to a halt by the defensive preparations of Zhao Yun, who has garrisoned
every pass and occupied every point of vantage; they have eventually retreated,
after being camped in the Xie Valley for some time."

Knowing all this,
Sun Quan said to his officials, "Lu Xun's words were indeed prophetic; he
made most perfect deductions. Any rash action on my part would place me on bad
terms with Shu."

Just then the coming
of an envoy from Shu was announced.

Said Zhang Zhao,
"This mission is also part of Zhuge Liang's scheme to divert danger from
Shu. Deng Zhi has come as envoy."

"That being so,
how should I reply?" asked Sun Quan.

[e] Li Yiji was diplomat and adviser of
Liu Bang. Li Yiji went on mission to discuss peace between Liu Bang and King
Tian Guang of Qi. Li Yiji demanded a ceasefire as condition for talk. Tian
Guang complied. While the discussion was going on, Liu Bang attacked. Tian
Guang enraged and threw Li Yiji into boiling oil. .....

"I will tell
you. Set up a large cauldron and pour therein a quantity of oil. Light a fire
beneath. When the oil is boiling, choose a goodly company of your tallest and
brawniest fighting guards, arm them and draw them up in lines between the
palace gate and your throne room. Then summon Deng Zhi. But before he can say a
word, forewarn him that he will have the same fate of being boiled in oil if
being guilty of the same sort of treachery as Li Yiji* when he was a persuader
to the state of Qi. Then see what Deng Zhi will say."

Sun Quan followed
this advice, and prepared the cauldron of oil and had the strong guards ready.
Then he bade them introduce the envoy.

Deng Zhi came, his
ceremonial dress in perfect order, and advanced as far as the gate. Seeing the
grim array of fighting men armed, some with gleaming swords, some with great
axes, some with long spears, and some with short knives, he understood at once what
was meant, but he never blenched. He advanced quite steadily and bravely till
he reached the door of the hall. Even when he saw the boiling cauldron of oil
and the savage executioners glaring at him, he only smiled.

He was led to the
front of the curtain behind which sat the Prince of Wu, and he made the
ordinary salutation of raising his extended arms, but he did not bow in
obeisance.

The Prince bade his
attendants roll up the curtain, and called out, "Why do you not make an
obeisance?"

Deng Zhi replied,
"The envoy of the superior state does not make an obeisance to the ruler
of a smaller country."

"If you do not
control that tongue of yours, but will let it wag, you will be like that fellow
Li Yiji who went to talk to Qi. You will soon find yourself in the
cauldron."

Then Deng Zhi
laughed aloud, saying, "People say there are many sages in Wu. No one
would believe that they would be frightened of a simple scholar."

This reply only
increased Sun Quan's anger, and he said, "Who fears an unmerited fool like
you?"

"If you fear
not the envoy, why so anxious about what he may have to say?"

"Because you
come here as spokesman of Zhuge Liang, and you want me to sever with Wei and
turn to your country. Is not that your message?"

"I am a simple
scholar of Shu, and I am come to explain matters to the state of Wu. But here I
find armed guards and a boiling cauldron all prepared against an envoy. How can
I form any other opinion than that you will not allow me to speak?"

As soon as Sun Quan
heard these words, he bade the soldiers go, and called the envoy into the hall.

There he invited
Deng Zhi to a seat and said, "What is the real matter between Wei and Wu?
I desire that you would inform me."

Then Deng Zhi
replied, "Do you, great Prince, desire to discuss peace with Wei or with
Shu?"

"I really
desire to discuss peace with the Ruler of Shu. But he is young and
inexperienced and ignorant, and unable to carry a matter through."

"Prince, you
are a valiant warrior, just as Zhuge Liang is a great minister. Now Shu has the
strength of its mountainous geography just as Wu has the protection of its
three rivers. If these two countries are at peace, they are mutually
protective. They may swallow up the rest of the empire, or they may stand
secure alone. If you send tribute to Wei and acknowledge yourself one of its
ministers, you will be expected to attend at court, and your heir-apparent will
become a servant in that court; and if you disobey, an army of Wei will be sent
to attack you. Shu also will come down the river and invade your country. Then
the South Land will be yours no longer. And if you listen not to these words of
mine, and refuse my offer, I shall commit suicide before your face and so
justify the post I have as an envoy."

As Deng Zhi spoke
these last words, he gathered up his robes and marched down the hall as though
he was just going to jump into the cauldron.

"Stop
him!" cried Sun Quan, and they did so.

Then he requested
Deng Zhi to go into an inner apartment, where he treated the envoy as a guest
of the highest honor.

"O
Master," said Sun Quan, "your words exactly express my thoughts, and
I desire to make a league of peace with your country. Are you willing to be the
intermediary?"

"Just now it
was you, O Prince, who wished to boil this poor servant. Now it is also you who
wishes to use him. How can such a doubtful person be trusted?"

"My mind is
made up," replied Sun Quan. "Do not doubt me, Master."

Deng Zhi was
detained, and a conclave of officers gathered.

Said Sun Quan to the
assembly, "Under my hand are all eighty-one counties of the southeast, and
I have the lands of Jingzhou to boot, yet I am not so well off as that little
country of Shu, for Shu has Deng Zhi for an envoy, and he glorifies his lord. I
have no one to send to declare my wishes to Shu."

Then one stepped
forth and said he would go. The speaker was Zhang Wen of Wucheng, who held the
office of Imperial Commander.

"Sir, I fear
that when you reach Shu and are in the presence of Zhuge Liang, you will not
explain my real sentiments," said Sun Quan.

Zhang Wen replied,
"Think you that I shall fear him? He also is but a man."

Sun Quan conferred
great gifts on Zhang Wen, and sent him on the return mission to Shu to
negotiate the league of peace.

While Deng Zhi was
absent, Zhuge Liang said to his lord, "This mission to Wu will succeed,
and of the many wise people in the east one will come as return envoy. Your
Majesty should treat him with courtesy, and let him return to Wu to complete
the league. For if we have an alliance with Wu, Wei will not dare to send an
army against us. And if we are safe from those quarters, I will lead an
expedition to subdue the Mangs in the south country. After that we can deal
with Wei. If Wei is reduced, Wu will not last long, and the whole empire will
again be under one ruler."

Presently the report
reached the capital that Deng Zhi and Zhang Wen, as envoy of Wu, would soon
arrive. The Latter Ruler assembled the courtiers to receive them honorably. The
envoy of Wu carried himself as one who had attained his desires, and advanced
boldly. Having made his salute, the Latter Ruler gave him to sit on a brocaded
stool on his left hand. A banquet followed at which Zhang Wen was treated with
much honor. At the end of the banquet, the whole court escorted the envoy to
the guest-house where he was to lodge.

On the second day
there was a banquet at the Prime Minister's palace, and Zhuge Liang broached
the real business.

He said, "Our
First Ruler was not on friendly terms with Wu. But that is all changed, as is
demonstrated by these banquets, and our present Emperor is disposed to be very
friendly. It is hoped that the former enmity may be entirely forgotten and the
two countries swear eternal friendship and alliance in their common end---the
destruction of Wei. I look to you, Sir, to speak in favor of this league."

Zhang Wen said that
he would support the plan. The wine went merrily round, and as the envoy became
mellow, he laughed freely and swaggered and put on a proud demeanor.

Next day the Latter
Ruler gave Zhang Wen rich presents of gold and studs and prepared a parting
banquet for him in the south guest-chamber, and all the court assembled to take
leave of him. The Prime Minister paid him assiduous attention and pressed him
to drink. While this banquet was in progress, a man suddenly came in as if he
were already drunk, made a proud sort of salutation to the company and at once
took a seat.

His conduct seemed
strange to Zhang Wen, who asked, "Who is the new comer, Sir Prime
Minister?"

"He is a man
named Qin Mi, a Doctorate Academician of Yizhou," replied Zhuge Liang.

"He may be
that," said Zhang Wen with a laugh, "but I wonder if he has any
learning at all inside him."

Qin Mi listened
without changing countenance, and said, "Since our children are all
learned, of course I am more so."

"What may have
been your special studies, Sir?" said Zhang Wen.

"Many things:
Astronomy on one hand, geography on the other, the three teachings and the nine
systems, many philosophers, history all through, and many sacred books and
traditions."

"Since you talk
so big," said Zhang Wen, "I should like to ask you a few questions on
celestial matters. Now has the sky a head?"

"Yes, it has a
head."

"Where is
it?"

"In the western
quarter. The Odes say, 'God turns his head kindly toward the west,' and further
it follows from this that the head is in the west."

"Well, has the
sky ears?"

"Oh, yes. The
sky is above and listens to all things below. The Odes say, 'The crane calls
from the midst of the marsh, its cry is heard by the sky.' How could the sky
hear without ears?"

"Has the sky
feet?"

"It has. The
Odes say, 'Heaven treads down difficulties.' If there were no feet, how could
it tread?"

"Has heaven a
name?"

"Why not?"

"Then what is
it?"

"Liu."

"How do you
know that?"

"Because the
Emperor's family name is Liu, and he is the Son of Heaven. That is how I
know."

"Does the sun
spring from the east?"

"Though it
does, yet it sets in the west."

All this time Qin
Mi's repartees had flashed back clear and perfect. They came so naturally as to
astonish all the guests. Zhang Wen had no word to reply to them.

Then it became Qin
Mi's turn, "You are a famous scholar in your own land, Sir; and since you
have asked so many questions about Heaven, I take it you are I well up in all
celestial matters. When original chaos resolved into its two elements yin and
yang, the lighter portion rose and became sky, and the grosser sank and
solidified into earth. When Gong Gong's rebellion was crushed, his head struck
the Imperfect Mountain, the pillar, which upholds heaven, was broken and the
bonds of earth were destroyed. Heaven fell over to the northwest, and earth
sank into the southeast. Since heaven was ethereal and had floated to the top,
how could it fall over? Another thing I do not know is what is beyond the
ether. I should be glad if you would explain, Master."

Zhang Wen had no
reply ready, but he rose from his place and bowed his acknowledgment, saying,
"I knew not that there was so much ability in this land. I am happy to
have heard such a discourse. Now all obstructions have disappeared, and I see
quite clearly."

But Zhuge Liang,
fearing lest the guest should feel mortified, soothed him with fair words,
saying, "This is all play upon words, the sort of puzzles one propounds at
a merry feast. You, honored Sir, know that the tranquillity and safety of
states are no matters to joke with."

The envoy bowed.
Then Deng Zhi was ordered to return to Wu and thank its ruler for his courtesy,
and he was to accompany Zhang Wen. So both, having taken leave of the Prime
Minister, set out on their journey to the east.

In the meantime Sun
Quan was beginning to feel perplexed at the long delay of his envoy. He had
summoned a council to discuss this question, when the report came that his own
envoy had returned, and Deng Zhi was with him. They were brought in forthwith.
Zhang Wen, having made his obeisance, began to discourse upon the virtue of the
Ruler of Shu and Zhuge Liang and to lay before his lord the proposal for a
league of peace. Deng Zhi, the Chair of the Secretariat, was empowered to
discuss this matter.

Turning to Deng Zhi,
Sun Quan said, "Would it not be a happy result if tranquillity should be
restored to the empire by the destruction of Wei, and Wu and Shu should share
its administration?"

"The sky knows
not two suns," replied Deng Zhi, "nor can the people recognize two
kings. If Wei be destroyed, no one can say upon whom the divine command will
devolve. But one who becomes an overlord must perfect his virtue, and those who
become ministers must be wholly loyal. In this way strife will cease."

Sun Quan smiled,
saying, "And your sincerity is beyond question."

Deng Zhi was
dismissed with rich gifts, and after this Wu and Shu were good friends.

The negotiations
between his two rivals were reported in Capital Luoyang without loss of time,
and Cao Pi was very angry.

"If they have
made an alliance, it can only mean that they cherish the intention of
swallowing the Middle Land. My best move is to strike first."

He called a great
council. This council lacked the presence of Regent Marshal Cao Ren and Grand
Commander Jia Xu, who had both died.

In the council
Counselor Xin Pi stepped forward and said, "The Middle Land is extensive,
but the population so sparse that no successful army could be raised just now.
My advice is to wait ten years, spending that period in forming an army and in
cultivating the land till stores and weapons shall have been accumulated. Then
both our rivals may be destroyed."

"This is only
the distorted opinion of a perverted pedant. Having made this league, Shu and
Wu may fall upon us at any moment. This matter cannot be postponed for ten
years," said the Ruler of Wei.

An edict appeared
commanding the enlistment of soldiers and the formation of an army to subdue
Wu.

Sima Yi then said,
"Battleships are necessary, as Wu is protected by the Great River. Your
Majesty must lead small and big vessels. The navy can advance by way of River
Huai, taking Shouchun. When you reach Guangling, the river is to be crossed and
Nanxu is to be captured. Then Wu will be subdued."

This plan was
accepted, and the construction of dragon ships was put in hand and went on day
and night. Ten were built two hundred spans long to carry two thousand marines
each. They also collected three thousand fighting ships.

In the autumn of the
fifth year of Yellow Dawn (AD 224) the various generals assembled, and Cao Zhen
was appointed leader of the first corps. Zhang Liao, Zhang He, Wen Ping, and Xu
Huang were Chief Commanders; Xu Chu and Lu Qian were guards of the Center Army;
and Cao Xiu commanded the rear guard; the strategists were Liu Ye and Jiang Ji.
In all, land and marine forces numbered over three hundred thousand troops.
When the starting day was decided upon, Sima Yi was made Chair of the
Secretariat and left in the capital with the powers of Regent Marshal.

The spies told the
Prince of Wu's attendants of the dangers, and the latter hastened to inform the
Prince.

They said, "Cao
Pi is leading the dragon fleet and commanding three hundred thousand marines
and ground forces against the South Land, and the danger is very great."

When Sun Quan met
his council, Gu Yong said, "My lord, you can call upon Shu for help
according to the treaty. Write to Zhuge Liang and get him to send out an army
through Hanzhong so as to divert part of Wei's army. Also you send an army to
Nanxu to oppose them there."

"I shall have
to recall Lu Xun," said the Prince. "He is the only man to undertake
this great task."

"Do not move
him if you can help it. He is necessary for the protection of Jingzhou."

"Yes, I know.
But there is no other strong enough to help me."

At these words Xu
Sheng advanced, saying, "I know I am not very able, but I desire to be
given an army to meet this danger. If Cao Pi crosses the river in person, I
will make him prisoner and present him at the gate of your palace. If he does
not come over here, I will slay so many of his soldiers that his army shall not
dare even to look southward."

Sun Quan was pleased
to find a willing volunteer, and replied, "Noble Sir, what anxiety need I
feel if I have your protection?"

Xu Sheng was given
the title of General Who Protects the East and made Chief Commander of all the
forces in Nanxu and Jianye. As soon as he had received his orders, he retired.
He gave command to gather enormous quantities of weapons, and had many flags
and banners made for the protection of the river banks.

But another
impetuous young leader was anxious to take more vigorous measures, and he stood
forth, saying, "My lord has laid upon you, O General, a heavy
responsibility. But if you really desire to destroy the invading force and
capture Cao Pi, you should send an army to meet him on the north side in the
South of River Huai. I fear failure if you wait till the northern troops have
come this far."

The young man was
Sun Shao, nephew of the Prince of Wu. Sun Shao was born to a Yu family, and he
was adopted by Sun Ce and given the Sun family name. He had already the title
of General Who Possesses Wide Prestige, and was in command at Guangling. Though
young and impetuous, he was very valiant.

Said Xu Sheng,
"Cao Pi's army is strong and its leaders famous. I hold that we may not
cross the river to meet him, but wait the arrival of his ships on the other
side. Then I shall carry out my plan."

"I have three
thousand troops of my own, and I know the country about Guangling thoroughly.
Let me go across the river and fight a battle. I will willingly undergo the
penalty if I fail," said Sun Shao.

However, Xu Sheng
refused, and all the pleadings of his impetuous general were vain.

And when Sun Shao
still persisted, the Commander grew angry and said, "What control shall I
have if you are allowed to disobey orders?"

Xu Sheng ordered the
lictors to take Sun Shao out and put him to death.

They led him away,
and forthwith the black flag was hoisted. But one of Sun Shao's generals went
off in hot haste to tell Sun Quan, who came immediately to try to save his
favorite. Happily the execution had not been accomplished when the Prince
appeared on the scene, and he bade the executioners disperse. The youth was
saved.

Sun Shao began to
press his claim to the Prince, saying, "I have been at Guangling, and if
we do not attack the enemy there, but let him get down to the river, there will
be an end of Wu."

Sun Quan went into
the camp, and Xu Sheng came to receive him.

When the Prince was
seated in his tent, Xu Sheng said, "O Prince, you placed me in command of
the force to repulse Wei. Now this general of mine, Sun Shao, is disobedient
and should suffer death. I would ask why he should be pardoned."

"He is
naturally hot and impetuous. He has been guilty of disobedience, but I hope you
will overlook his fault."

"The law is
none of my making, nor is it yours, O Prince. It is a state penalty, and if
relationship is enough to evade it, where is discipline?"

"He has
offended, and you have the right to judge and punish. But although his real
name is Yu Shao, yet my brother Sun Ce loved him and gave him our family name.
Further, Sun Shao has rendered me good service. If he should be put to death, I
should fail in my fraternal duty."

"Since you have
intervened, O Prince, I remit the death penalty."

Sun Quan bade his
nephew thank his chief, but the youth would not make an obeisance. On the
contrary, he loudly maintained the correctness of his view.

"Leading troops
against Cao Pi is the only way," cried Sun Shao. "I cannot consent to
your other plan even under the penalty of death!"

Xu Sheng's
countenance changed. The recalcitrant young man was ordered to leave the tent
by Sun Quan.

"He will not be
any loss to us," said Sun Quan to Xu Sheng, "and I will not employ
him again."

Then the Prince left
and returned to his own place.

That night they
reported to Xu Sheng that Sun Shao had gone secretly over the river with his
own three thousand troops. Xu Sheng did not wish him to come to harm, as
evidently that would displease the Prince. So Xu Sheng sent a force to support
him. Ding Feng was chosen to command this reinforcement, and he was told what
to do.

The Ruler of Wei, in
his dragon ships, reached Guangling, and the van got to the river bank. He came
to survey the position.

"How many
soldiers are on the other bank?" asked Cao Pi.

Cao Zhen replied,
"I have not seen a single one. Nor are there any flags or
encampments."

"That is a
ruse. I will go and find out."

So Cao Pi set out to
cross the river in one of the dragon ships. He anchored under the bank. On his
boat were displayed the imperial emblems of dragon, phoenix, sun, moon, and
they shone out bravely. Seated in the ship, the Emperor looked up and down the
south bank, but not a man was visible.

"Do you think
we should cross?" asked the Emperor of his strategists.

Liu Ye replied,
"If the rules of war mean anything, they ought to be prepared. We think
Your Majesty should exercise caution. Wait a few days and watch. Then perhaps
the van might be sent to make a reconnaissance."

"So I
think," said the Ruler of Wei. "But as it is now late, we will pass
the night on the river."

It was a dark night,
and the ships was brilliantly lighted up; it seemed like day on board. But all
along the south bank there appeared no glimmer of light.

"What do you
think it means?" said Cao Pi.

The courtiers
replied, "They heard that Your Majesty's heavenly army was coming, and ran
away like so many rats."

The Ruler of Wei
laughed to himself. When daylight came there came with it a thick fog, so that
nothing on the bank could be seen. After a time, a breeze blew off the fog, and
then, to their immense surprise, they found that the whole length of the South
of the Great River as far as they could see was one battlement, with towers at
intervals, while spears and swords glittered in the sun and flags and pennons
fluttered in the breeze.

In just a short time
several reports came: "A long wall by the Great River has grown up in a
night and stood there with carts and masts of ships lying along it, stretching
some one hundred miles from Shidou to Nanxu."

The fact was that
the wall was an imitation, and the warriors that manned it were bundles of
reeds dressed in soldiers' uniforms. And this was Xu Sheng's tactic. But the
sight chilled the ardor of the invaders.

"My hosts of
troops are no use against such warriors. We can do nothing against those
talents of the South Land," said Cao Pi.

He thought over this
sadly enough. But now the wind had increased in force, and white combers began
to heave up in the river, and waters broke over his boat, drenching the dragon
robes. The ship seemed as if it would roll right over. So Cao Zhen sent out
small boats to rescue his master and his people. But they were too affrighted
to move. Wherefore Wen Ping, who was in charge, leaped on board and helped the
Emperor down into one of the smaller craft, which then flew away before the
wind and got safely into a creek.

Soon came a hasty
messenger to report: "Zhao Yun is marching out through Yangping Pass and
threatening Changan."

This frightened Cao
Pi so badly that he decided to retreat, and gave orders to retire. The whole
army were in a mood to run away, and moved off toward the north, pursued by the
troops of Wu. To hasten the march, the Ruler of Wei bade his soldiers abandon
all the imperial paraphernalia and impediments. The dragon ships withdrew into
River Huai one by one.

As they moved in
disorder, suddenly arose the sounds of an enemy force, shouts and the rolling
of drums and the blaring of trumpets, and a cohort marched down obliquely on to
their line. And at the head was Sun Shao.

The troops of Wei could
make no effective stand, and many were slain, while large numbers were driven
into the river and drowned. By dint of great efforts, the Emperor was saved and
got away up the river. But when they had sailed about ten miles, they saw ahead
a tract of blazing reeds. The enemy had poured fish oil over the dry reeds and
set them afire. The wind was spreading the flames down river toward the fleet
of Wei, and the heat was intense. The dragon ships had to stop.

Cao Pi was put into
a smaller craft and taken on shore. His larger ships were presently set on fire
and destroyed. They mounted the Emperor on a horse and moved along the bank,
but soon they fell in with another body of troops. This time it was the
supports under Ding Feng.

Zhang Liao rode
ahead to engage the leader, but was soon wounded by an arrow of Ding Feng in
the loins. However, he was helped away by Xu Huang, and the Ruler of Wei was
gotten safely out of the turmoil. The loss of soldiers was heavy, and a huge
booty of horses, carts, ships, and weapons fell to the victors.

So the Wei armies
went away north thoroughly beaten, while Xu Sheng had scored a great success.
Sun Quan richly rewarded him.

Zhang Liao got to
Xuchang, but only to die from the effects of his wound. He was honorably buried
by the Ruler of Wei.

It has been said
that Zhao Yun was threatening Changan. But soon after he went through Yangping
Pass, the Prime Minister of Shu sent a dispatch to recall him because General
Yong Kai in Yizhou had joined himself with the Mangs and invaded the four
southern territories. So Zhao Yun returned. Meanwhile Ma Chao was ordered to
take command of Yangping Pass. The Prime Minister was about to go to subdue the
nations along the south border. He was then preparing at Chengdu for this
expedition.